La Liga, officially known as the Primera División, is the top professional football division in Spain. Since its inception in 1929, the league has since grown to become one of the most competitive leagues in the world, featuring global football clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Villareal and so on.

The Spanish La Liga, is also renowned for its beautiful and fascinating football style. When you think of Spanish football, the first images that may come to mind might be the flashbacks of rivalry and outstanding performances from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Beyond all these, the league has also been impacted by goals, both in number and quality. That’s why in this article, we are looking into the exclusive List of Spanish La Liga Top Scorers, and celebrating their incredible achievements and contributions to one of the most prestigious leagues in European and World football.

The La Liga Top Scorer award is known as the Pichichi award named after a Basque player, Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, who played for Athletic Club de Bilbao from 1911 to 1921 

La Liga Top Scorers of All-time

Pahino - 212 Goals

Pahino began his career at Celta Vigo in 1943, helping his team to gain promotion into the Primera division. His top performance during the ‘1947/’48 season secured a fourth league position for his team, with him netting 21 goals, winning the Pichichi and reaching the final of Copa del generalissimo. In 1948, He signed for Real Madrid where he continued to score goals, and won his second Pichichi in 1952. A total of 124 goals in 143 matches played.

Quini - 219 Goals

He started his career with Sporting de Gijon, and scored 13 goals in his first spell at the club. However, the club was relegated and he moved to Nou Camp. He scored an impressive 47 league goals at Barca, helping the Catalans secure the 1982 Copa del Rey with a brace. Individual career awards include an impressive 7 Pichichi awards. He also played and represented the Spanish National team in both European Championship and World Cup competitions.

Cesar - 221 Goals

A career spanning more than 20 years. César joined and played for Barcelona in 1939, playing most of his career at the Catalans, with 351 appearances and the former all time goal scorer for the club and one of La Liga’s top scorers before his record was overtaken by Lionel Messi. Known for his genius ability of scoring from corner kicks, his team trophies include 5 Spanish La Liga titles. He also represented Spain at the World Cup in 1950.

Alfredo Di Stéfano - 227 Goals

Nicknamed “Saeta Rubia” which means Blond Arrow. Following his move to Real Madrid, his contributions helped the Los Blancos win La Liga titles and 5 European Cup trophies, scoring in all five finals, with a hat-trick in the last. Individual achievements include the two Ballon d’Or awards in1957 and ’59. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he is also a leading goal scorer in the history of El Classico for Real Madrid. In 1964 he moved to Espanyol until his retirement at 40 years.

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Raúl González - 228 Goals

Raul Gonzalez is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers the world has ever seen. Synonymous with Real Madrid, where he spent 16 years of his career, holding the most appearances for the club at over 741. He won 6 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Champions League titles and other notable trophies in Spain. Individual achievement included a runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and team captain for the Los Blancos. Regarded as one of Spain’s greatest players, scoring 44 goals in 102 appearances for the National team.

Hugo Sanchez - 234

The prolific Mexican footballer and striker who started his La Liga journey with Atletico Madrid where he spent four years before moving to rivals, Real Madrid. He became the seventh highest goal scorer in Real Madrid’s history.  With an amazing 5 Pichichi top scorer awards in Spain, Sanchez has been regarded as one of the best strikers of all time. He participated in 3 FIFA World Cup tournaments, helping the Mexico team reach the quarter-final at the 1986 World Cup.

Karim Benzema - 238 Goals

Benzema is simply one of the best players of his generation. He is the second all-time second-highest goal scorer for Real Madrid.  He joined the club in 2009, with a then-record fee of €35 million, and has since established himself as one of the club’s legends. Team laurels include 5 UEFA Champions League and 4 La Liga trophies. He also won La Liga Best Player, Pichichi award and Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022. He was also part of the French team that reached the World Cup in 2022. One of the greatest La Liga top scorers the league has ever seen

Spain La Liga Predictions, Tips and Statistics

Cristiano Ronaldo - 311 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo played in Spanish La Liga as a forward for Real Madrid. He was signed to Real Madrid at a then-record fee of €94 million, where he won 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey, 2 UEFA Super Cups and 3 Club World Cups. He also became the UEFA Champions League’s top scorer for 6 consecutive seasons. Personal achievement includes World Best Player 4 times during his spell at the club.

Lionel Messi - 474 Goals

A name that needs no introduction in football history. Often regarded as the modern-day Maradona, and probably the most decorated La Liga top scorer ever. He had his first great season at Barca in 2008/2009. Winning the first treble in Spanish football history. Personal achievements including La Liga top scorer 8 times, 9 Ballon d’Or awards, and barcelona top score. During his time at the Nou Camp, he helped his team win a record 34 trophies. He also led his country, Argentina, to winning the World Cup in 2022. 

Wrapping Up

La Liga's top scorers and records are a testament to how great the league has been. The players on this list have constantly pushed the limits of possibility every season. However, there’s numerous opportunities for current and future generation players to emerge and surpass these records, and continue the legacy of greatness the league is known for.

La Liga Top Scorers of All-time FAQ

Who is the highest goal scorer of all-time in La Liga?

Below you will find the top 17 highest goal scorer of all-time in La Liga

Who is the top goal scorer of La Liga?

Lionel Messi holds the record for the top goal scorer of La Liga history (474 goals). He had his first great season at Barca in 2008/2009.  Winning the first treble in Spanish football history.

Who has more goals in La Liga, Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi is the all-time La Liga top scorer, as well as having the most assists in the competition's history – with Ronaldo in second for goals scored and in fourth for assists provided – while Ronaldo is the UEFA Champions League all-time top appearance maker, goal scorer and the second-highest in assists after Ryan Giggs

Who scored fastest 100 goals in La Liga?

Cristiano Ronaldo is fastest La Liga player to 100 goals - In reaching 101 goals in 92 games, Ronaldo surpassed Real legend Ferenc Puskas, who scored 100 in 105 games.

Who scored the most goals in a liga season?

Lionel Messi has tallied the most goals in La Liga in a season, with 50 goals in 2011-12.

Who scored 50 goals in a La Liga season?

Lionel Messi, 50 goals (2011-12) Barcelona ultimately wasn't able to win the LaLiga title, finishing second to Real Madrid.26 Feb 2024

Did Messi score 91 goals in a season?

The Argentine's eight Ballon d'Or may be considered his crowning individual achievement, but his 91 goals in 2012 remain as impressive. At age 25, he was somehow just nine strikes away from reaching triple figures for club and country in a calendar year.

How many times was Ronaldo top scorer in La Liga?

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Pichichi award 3 times. See below the full list of players who have won the Pichichi award and how many times.

Who has the most assists, Messi or Ronaldo?

All-time goals, career statistics and red cards according to messivsronaldo.app

•            Ronaldo: 915 goals and 256 assists in 1,254 appearances.

•            Messi: 850 goals and 379 assists in 1,083 appearances.

•            Hat-tricks: Ronaldo 66; Messi 59.

•            Career goal ratio: Ronaldo 0.73; Messi 0.78.

•            Penalties: Ronaldo 170; Messi 109.

Who has the most Pichichi Awards?

The player with the record number of wins is Lionel Messi with eight, all with Barcelona.

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